Rather than simply volunteering, you'll become part of the daily rhythm of Crestone Mountain Zen Center. Meditation, study time, Dharma Discussions, and silence shape your stay during our Summer Guest Season, creating an environment where ordinary activities become opportunities for attention, presence, and practice.
The Summer Volunteer Program runs from mid-May through September and includes room and board in exchange for supporting the life of the center. As a volunteer you can also collect credits toward an upcoming zen practice event.
Two zazen sessions (= silent meditation) of 30–40 minutes each, with 10 minutes of Kinhin (=walking meditation) in between, followed by 25 minutes of Service (a sequence of bows and chants as a mutual practice in a shared space)
In Zen Buddhism, daily work and practice are closely intertwined. We limit conversations to functional talk—the kind necessary to carry out work in the garden, the kitchen, and the temple—in order to transfer our practice from zazen into everyday life.
Lunch together isn't just about eating; it's also a wonderful opportunity to get to know one another and have a conversation.
In Zen Buddhism, daily work and practice are closely intertwined. We limit conversations to functional talk—the kind necessary to carry out work in the garden, the kitchen, and the temple—in order to transfer our practice from zazen into everyday life.
We'll all get together again for dinner—this is another great opportunity to get to know others through conversation.
In the evening, we sit for one or two 30-minute zazen periods with a 5-minute interval in between.
Every resident helps care for the people and the place. In Zen, work is not separate from practice. Preparing meals, tending the grounds, and maintaining the buildings all ask for the same qualities cultivated in meditation: attention, steadiness, and care.
Throughout the summer you’ll contribute wherever support is needed for 6-7 hours on 5-6 days a week, while becoming part of the daily life of the center.
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Living and practicing together over several months creates a different relationship to time, work, and community. The Summer Volunteer Program offers a chance to experience Zen practice as part of everyday life—and to contribute to the place that makes this practice possible.
We welcome a small group of volunteers each summer. If you're interested in joining us, we'd love to hear a little about you, your experience, and what draws you to spending this time at Crestone Mountain Zen Center.